Smyrna, GA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Article III of Chapter 80 of the Smyrna Code, adopted in 2012, replaces a city-run rental inspection with owner-commissioned inspections. Section 80-40(1) applies to owners of multi-family rental dwellings or units who receive income for use of four or more such dwellings or units and meet the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 48-13-5 for having a location or office within the city. They are subject to an occupation tax and must provide, before an initial occupational tax certificate, a code compliance certificate covering interior inspections of no less than 20 percent of the units in the preceding 12 months. New construction or rehabilitation is exempt in its initial year if permits are obtained.

After the initial certificate, Section 80-40(3) requires an annual certificate with the business license renewal, beginning January 1, 2013, covering interior inspections of at least 20 percent of units, with all units inspected at a minimum every five years. Exterior inspections cover 100 percent of common areas, including drainage, sanitation, weeds, exterior walls, paint deterioration, decks, doors, windows, screens, handrails, guardrails, roofs, abandoned vehicles, parking lot maintenance, electrical and plumbing maintenance and graffiti, at least once each year. The standard is the ICC International Property Maintenance Code adopted by the city.

Section 80-39 and Section 80-43 define who can inspect: a licensed or certified architect or engineer, or a holder of an ICC certification as property maintenance and housing inspector, housing rehabilitation inspector, building inspector, building plan examiner or commercial combination inspector. The inspector submits a business license and credentials to be placed on the approved list, meets with the chief building official or code compliance official before starting, and signs and dates the report.

If units fail, Section 80-40(2) lets the owner submit a plan to the chief building official for a temporary occupational tax certificate, with a 12-month window and an extension of up to one year, but no extension where life safety issues are involved and those units cannot be leased until compliant.